Distance measurement sensor based on magnetic signal triangulation

ABSTRACT

The subject invention reveals a distance measuring device comprising: a sensing module, a target module, and an evaluating module, wherein the sensing module and the target module are mountable so as to execute a movement with respect to each other along a movement trajectory, wherein the target module comprises a magnetic field generating element having a magnetic pole axis, wherein the sensing module comprises a first magnetic field sensing array being arranged distant to the movement trajectory. The sensing module and the target module can advantageously be situated within the pressurizable chamber of an air spring which is defined by (contained within) a first mounting plate, a second mounting plate, and a flexible member of the air spring.

This application is a continuation application of co-pending U.S.application Ser. No. 15/382,875, filed Dec. 19, 2016, which is acontinuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/248,703, filed Apr. 9,2014, now U.S. Pat. No. 9,562,758, which claims the benefit of EuropeanPatent Application No. EP 13163793.6, filed on Apr. 15, 2013, theentirety of each are incorporated by reference for all purposes.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention related to a distance measurement sensor based onmagnetic signal triangulation which is useful for utilization inconjunction with air springs.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Height or distance measurement has a wide variety of possibleapplications. For instance, it is a parameter that frequently needs tobe monitored to optimize the performance of various types of machineryand vehicles, such as automobiles, trucks, trains, agriculturalvehicles, mining vehicles, construction vehicles, and the like. Forinstance, monitoring height and various distances can lead to reducedfuel consumption, improved comfort, reduced overall cost, extendedproduct service life, and safety. In any case, the need to monitor suchdistance parameters generally increases with sophistication of thedevice and the complexity of its features.

Virtually every aspect of complex machinery may need to be tightlymonitored and controlled to attain maximum advantages. For instance,constant adaptations may be required to optimize the performances andefficiency of almost every moving part of the machinery. This typicallyneeds to be done while the operational conditions in the environment ofthe equipment are subject to change and can change significantly oververy short time frames. Changing environmental conditions are virtuallyalways encountered by vehicle. In addition to this, vehicles frequentlyoperate under changing conditions which can make monitoring a difficultchallenge. For instance, monitoring suspension height by distancemeasurements between air spring components can yield useful information.However, the environment where the height measurement is being made canpresent a wide variety of challenges. For example, in measuring theheight of a vehicle frame above the surface of a road, challenges aretypically presented by road noise, dirt, dust, and vibrations which arenormally present in the environment surrounding the vehicle where themeasurement is being taken.

DE 10 2006 017 275 A1 and EP 1845278 A1 describe an air spring having anintegrated positioning device, wherein the distance between two parts ofthe air spring can be measured by an analogue proximity sensor. Commonlyused proximity sensors are, for example, based on an ultrasonicmeasurement principle which is very sensitive in noisy and vibratingenvironments, as the acoustic noise and the ultrasonic measurementprinciple are based on the same physical principle, i.e. soundpropagation. These pneumatic air springs have an integrated heightmeasuring device, a pressure chamber or an inner chamber. The exteriorof the inner chamber is aligned in the analog proximity sensor and ametal plate is arranged opposite to the interior of the proximitysensor. The proximity sensor and the metal plate are formedpre-adjustable to each other.

Further, DE 10 2008 064 647 A1 describes an air spring for a vehiclehaving a measuring device, which measuring device may transmit data andenergy via predetermined and fixed distance contactless. This pneumaticcushioning equipment has a base unit which has a pressure source and avalve unit which has an air supply made of non-metallic material,particularly plastic. A switching valve of the base unit is providedbetween the pressure source and appropriate valve unit of the arrangedair supply.

United States Patent Publication No. 2012/0056616 A1 and EP 2 366 972describe a sensor device for height measurement in an air spring and acorresponding method allowing determining changes in a working stroke ofthe air spring. These publications more specifically disclose a sensordevice for a height measurement, comprising: a transceiving coilarrangement including at least one transceiving coil; a transmittingdrive unit; a receiver unit; a reference coil arrangement; and areference control unit, wherein the transceiving coil arrangement iscoupled to both the transmitting drive circuit and the receiver unit,wherein the reference control unit is coupled to the reference coilarrangement, wherein the reference coil arrangement is movablypositioned with respect to the transceiving coil arrangement, whereinthe drive unit is adapted to drive the transceiving coil arrangementwith an AC power signal of a predetermined duration for generating amagnetic field, wherein the reference control unit is adapted foraccumulating energy out of the generated magnetic field and forgenerating a reference signal based on an amount of the accumulatedenergy, and wherein the receiver unit is adapted for receiving thereference signal and for outputting a signal for determining a distancebetween the transceiving coil arrangement and the reference coilarrangement based on at least one out of a group, the group consistingof the reference signal and the duration of the AC power signal.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It may be seen as an objective technical problem to provide an airspring with improved capabilities for supplying physical parametermeasurement equipment. In particular, the physical parameter measurementequipment may be adapted for acquiring parameters like suspensionheight, pneumatic air pressure, and temperature.

The distance measuring device which can be incorporated into the airsprings of this invention are comprised of a sensing module (1), atarget module (3), and an evaluating module, wherein the sensing moduleand the target module are mountable so as to execute a movement withrespect to each other along a movement trajectory, wherein the targetmodule (3) comprises a magnetic field generating element having amagnetic pole axis, wherein the sensing module comprises a firstmagnetic field sensing array (MFS1) being arranged distant to themovement trajectory, the first magnetic field sensing array comprises afirst magnetic field sensor (L2) and a second magnetic field sensor(L3), wherein a main sensing direction of the first magnetic fieldsensor (L2) of the first magnetic field sensing array (MFS1) is inclinedwith respect to a main sensing direction of the second magnetic fieldsensor (L3) of the first magnetic field sensing array (MFS1), so as tobe capable of sensing the spatial distance to the magnetic fieldgenerating element, wherein the sensing module is connected to theevaluating module to transfer the sensed signals of the magnetic fieldsensors, and wherein the evaluating module is adapted to determine thespatial distance of the first magnetic field sensor (L2) and the secondmagnetic field sensor (L3) to the magnetic field generating elementbased on an orientation of the main sensing direction of the firstmagnetic field sensor and the main sensing direction of the secondmagnetic field sensor, and the sensed signal of the first magnetic fieldsensor and the second magnetic field sensor.

In one specific embodiment of this invention the magnetic fieldgenerating element of the target module (3) comprises a permanent magnethaving the magnetic pole axis. In another specific embodiment of thisinvention the magnetic pole axis is aligned to the movement trajectory.In a further specific embodiment of this invention the main sensingdirection of the first magnetic field sensor (L2) of the first magneticfield sensing array (MFS1) is substantially orthogonal to the mainsensing direction of the second magnetic field sensor (L3) of the firstmagnetic field sensing array (MFS1), wherein the main sensing directionof the first magnetic field sensor (L2) of the first magnetic fieldsensing array (MFS1) is substantially parallel to the movementtrajectory and the main sensing direction of the second magnetic fieldsensor (L3) of the first magnetic field sensing array (MFS1) issubstantially orthogonal to the movement trajectory.

In still another embodiment of this invention the sensing modulecomprises a second magnetic field sensing array (MFS2) to provide incombination with the first magnetic field sensing array (MFS1) adifferential mode sensor, wherein the second magnetic field sensingarray has a predetermined distance (b) to the first magnetic fieldsensing array. In a further specific embodiment of this invention thefirst magnetic field sensing array (MFS1), the second magnetic fieldsensing array (MFS2) and the magnetic field generating element (3) forma substantially rectangular triangle, with the second magnetic fieldsensing array at the rectangle and on the movement trajectory.

In a further embodiment of this invention the second magnetic fieldsensing array (MFS2) comprises a first magnetic field sensor (L1) and asecond magnetic field sensor (L0), wherein the main sensing direction ofthe first magnetic field sensor (L1) of the second magnetic fieldsensing array (MFS2) is inclined with respect to the main sensingdirection of the second magnetic field sensor (L0) of the secondmagnetic field sensing array (MFS2). In another embodiment of thesubject invention the main sensing direction of the first magnetic fieldsensor (L1) of the second magnetic field sensing array (MFS2) issubstantially orthogonal to the main sensing direction of the secondmagnetic field sensor (L0) of the second magnetic field sensing array.

In still another embodiment of this invention the main sensing directionof the first magnetic field sensor (L1) of the second magnetic fieldsensing array (MFS2) is substantially orthogonal to the main sensingdirection of the second magnetic field sensor (L0) of the secondmagnetic field sensing array (MFS2), wherein the main sensing directionof the first magnetic field sensor (L1) of the second magnetic fieldsensing array (MFS2) is substantially parallel to the movementtrajectory and the main sensing direction of the second magnetic fieldsensor (L0) of the second magnetic field sensing array (MFS2) issubstantially orthogonal to the movement trajectory. In a furtherembodiment of this invention the movement trajectory is a substantiallystraight line, so that a magnetic pole axis of the magnetic fieldgenerating element is oriented towards the first magnetic field sensingarray.

The subject invention further reveals an air spring comprising: a firstmounting plate being adapted to be mounted to a chassis of a vehicle, asecond mounting plate being adapted to be mounted to a wheel suspension,and a distance measuring, wherein the distance measuring device iscomprised of: a sensing module (1), a target module (3), and anevaluating module, wherein the sensing module and the target module aremountable so as to execute a movement with respect to each other along amovement trajectory, wherein the target module (3) comprises a magneticfield generating element having a magnetic pole axis, wherein thesensing module comprises a first magnetic field sensing array (MFS1)being arranged distant to the movement trajectory, the first magneticfield sensing array comprises a first magnetic field sensor (L2) and asecond magnetic field sensor (L3), wherein a main sensing direction ofthe first magnetic field sensor (L2) of the first magnetic field sensingarray (MFS1) is inclined with respect to a main sensing direction of thesecond magnetic field sensor (L3) of the first magnetic field sensingarray (MFS1), so as to be capable of sensing the spatial distance to themagnetic field generating element, wherein the sensing module isconnected to the evaluating module to transfer the sensed signals of themagnetic field sensors, and wherein the evaluating module is adapted todetermine the spatial distance of the first magnetic field sensor (L2)and the second magnetic field sensor (L3) to the magnetic fieldgenerating element based on an orientation of the main sensing directionof the first magnetic field sensor and the main sensing direction of thesecond magnetic field sensor, and the sensed signal of the firstmagnetic field sensor and the second magnetic field sensor, and whereinthe sensing module (1, 2) is mounted to the first mounting plate, andwherein the target module (3) is mounted to the second mounting plate.

The subject invention also reveals an air spring comprising a piston, atop plate, a flexible member, and a distance sensor, wherein theflexible member is affixed to the piston and the top plate, wherein thepiston, the top plate and the flexible member define a pressurizablechamber, wherein the distance sensor comprises a sensing module (1), atarget module (3), and an evaluating module, wherein the sensing moduleand the target module are mountable so as to execute a movement withrespect to each other along a movement trajectory, wherein the sensingmodule and the target module are situated within the pressurizablechamber, wherein the target module (3) comprises a magnetic fieldgenerating element having a magnetic pole axis, wherein the sensingmodule comprises a first magnetic field sensing array (MFS1) beingarranged distant to the movement trajectory, the first magnetic fieldsensing array comprises a first magnetic field sensor (L2) and a secondmagnetic field sensor (L3), wherein a main sensing direction of thefirst magnetic field sensor (L2) of the first magnetic field sensingarray (MFS1) is inclined with respect to a main sensing direction of thesecond magnetic field sensor (L3) of the first magnetic field sensingarray (MFS1), so as to be capable of sensing the spatial distance to themagnetic field generating element, wherein the sensing module isconnected to the evaluating module to transfer the sensed signals of themagnetic field sensors, and wherein the evaluating module is adapted todetermine the spatial distance of the first magnetic field sensor (L2)and the second magnetic field sensor (L3) to the magnetic fieldgenerating element based on an orientation of the main sensing directionof the first magnetic field sensor and the main sensing direction of thesecond magnetic field sensor, and the sensed signal of the firstmagnetic field sensor and the second magnetic field sensor.

This invention offers an array of benefits. For instance, wiringconnections can be from only from one end of the air-spring (such asfrom and to the base point). Also, there is no need to provide electricpower or any other wiring to the target point which is placed oppositeto the base point. The target-point is a passive component which offershigh reliability and a low risk of failure. The Magnetic Field Sensor(MFS) array is relatively small and fits easily inside the rubber bellyof the air-spring. Optionally, the MFS array can be placed outside ofthe flexible member (belly) of the air-spring.

There is no need to breach then air-tight enclosure of the flexiblemember (rubber belly) for the sensor system to function. Low designcomplexity and low cost design can be achieved with the air springs ofthis invention. Any type of directionally sensitive Magnetic FieldSensing (MFS) devices can be used, as long as they can differentiatebetween positive and negative magnetic field strength. This includes butis not limited to: inductors (requires flux gate electronics,Hall-effect, MR, and GMR.

Virtually any desired measurement signal bandwidth can be achieved asthis sensing technology is measuring a static magnetic field source (isnot relying on an alternating magnetic field source signal). Thereforethe sensing technology of this invention is very fast responding whentrying to measure not only the absolute position of the target-point inrelation to the base-point, but also trying to determine and quantifypotential Air-Spring vibrations. In the practice of this invention theapplied magnetic field sensor (MFS) array cancels the unwanted effectscaused by uniform magnetic stray fields. This sensor solution is alsoinsensitive to the magnetic field of the Earth. These and other aspectsof the present invention will become apparent from and elucidated withreference to the embodiments described hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a non-contact distance sensor system in accordancewith this invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates the manner in which the sensor system of thisinvention functions via a dual axes magnetic field sensor array and atarget point or magnetic field signal source.

FIG. 3 illustrates the relationship between the movement axis “a” andthe horizontal axis “b” in a distance sensor system in accordance withthis invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates how the vector values “a2” and “b2” relate to thesignal measurements taken from the MFS sensor array in a distance sensorsystem in accordance with one embodiment of this invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates the relationship between the angle α and the angle βwhich can be used to calculate the distance a in accordance with oneembodiment of this invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates sensor electronics that can be employed inconjunction with a distance sensor system of one embodiment of thisinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

For purposes hereof it should be understood that in referring todistances between two points the points are a base point (from where themeasurement will start) and the target point to which the distance ismeasured. When aiming for a non-contact distance measurement solution,and when placing the distance sensing system at the base point, then theused measurement system has to be able to physically “detect”, “feel”,or “sense” the target point, in some way. There are more than 10fundamental different ways to accomplish this purpose. Some of thesesolutions can be optically based (such as visible light, and invisiblelight), sound based (for instance, audible and non-audible sounds) orphysical based measurements. The measurement solution which is bestsuited for a specific application is depending on many factors,including: environmental conditions (interfering lights, interferingsound, changing ambient pressure, temperature, dust, and humidity),space availability for the measurement system, the targeted measurementrange (millimeters, meters, kilometers), required measurement resolutionand absolute accuracy, cost limitations, and the like.

The herein described distance measurement solution is specificallydirected to pneumatic powered, air-spring applications. It is applicableto the air springs which are employed in a wide variety of applicationsincluding, but not limited to machinery and vehicles, such asautomobiles, trucks, trains, agricultural vehicles, mining vehicles,construction vehicles, and the like.

The air-spring design to which this invention is applicable includes aflexible member (an elastic rubber belly) that is mounded in anair-tight manner onto top and bottom plates to define an air tight(pressurizable) chamber. By pumping pressured air into the pressurizablechamber the air-spring will expand and by releasing the air from thepressurizable chamber the air-spring will begin to collapse. Usuallymechanically controlled or electrically controlled pneumatic vales areused to change the amount of air within the pressurizable chamber of theair spring.

The total maximum distance that needs to be measured is equivalent tothe working stroke range of the air-spring. The total working stroke ofan air-spring is the difference in distance between when the air-springis fully expanded (the maximal working length of the air-spring) andwhen the air-spring is fully contracted (the shortest possible workinglength of the air-spring). In other words, this working stroke is thechanges in length of the air-spring when fully pumped-up (maximumpractical air-volume within the air-spring belly) and when almost all ofthe air inside the air-spring has been pumped-out (lowest practicalair-volume within the air-spring belly). The term “air” as used in thiscontext includes any gas or mixtures of gasses which is inert to the airspring and includes air, nitrogen, helium, other Noble gases, nitrogenenhanced air and helium enhanced air.

For purposes hereof the targeted distance measurement is typicallywithin the range of a few millimeters to around 400 millimeters. Thetargeted measurement resolution and measurement repeatability istypically within the range of about 1 mm to 5 mm. The fundamental designcharacteristics of a standard air-spring make it difficult or nearimpossible to apply typical distance measurement solutions. Forinstance, the flexible member (rubber belly) the pressurizable chamber.It is also very inconvenient and increases cost in scenarios whereair-tight passages need to be tooled into the top or bottom plate of theair spring to accommodate electric cables for electric power supply orother purposes. Additionally air-tight connectors of any type areexpensive and will typically have an adverse effect on the reliabilityof the air-springs utilizing such technology.

The air-pressure inside the air-spring belly constantly changes duringnormal usage. As the air pressure changes the quality and composition ofthe air is also subject to continual change. Such changes in forinstance the level of humidity and contaminants (dust in the air) candramatically affect sound based measurement systems. Humidity and dustwill also have a negative effect when using light based sensingtechnologies.

The sensing solution of this invention will operate on magneticprinciples as they are not affected by light, sound, air-pressure, dust,and/or humidity. In addition, magnetic field based sensor systems caneasily penetrate the rubber belly of an air spring, which allows for themagnetic based sensor system to be mounted outside of the rubber bellyof the air spring.

The sensor system of this invention consist of three main parts: (1) thesensing module (or Magnetic Field Sensor Array), the sensor electronics,and the target-point. The sensing module and the sensing electronics areconnected with each other by a number of insulated electrical wires (forexample 4 wires can be utilized. The sensing module can be placed at theone end of the air-spring and can be referred to as the base-point. Thesensor electronics can be powered by a low DC (direct current) voltage.The target-point is typically a small and high strength permanentmagnet. The physical dimension and the absolutesurface-magnetic-field-strengths of the permanent magnet are subject toa number of application dictated parameters, including the measurementdistance to be covered, available space, and environmental factors,including ferro-magnetic objects that may be situated near to themeasurement path. For purposes hereof the “measurement path” is avertical straight line between the target-point and the base point. Ingeneral, larger more powerful permanent magnets are needed with largermeasurement distances with stronger surface-magnetic-field-strengthsbeing required. In any case, the area around the measurement should befree of moving ferro-magnetic objects as they can interfere negativelywith the distance measurement to be taken. However, within limits,static (not moving) ferro-magnetic objects can be tolerated withappropriate correction factors.

FIG. 1 illustrates the final design of the Non-Contact Distance Sensorsystem (sensing module and Target-Point only. Not shown is the sensorelectronics and the wiring to the electronics.). A permanent magnet(Target-Point 3) is moving up and down the “movement axis”, whereby themagnetic pole-axis of the permanent magnet has to be aligned with themovement axis. The movement axis is a straight line and goes through theBase-Point, where the Magnetic Field Sensor (MFS) array 2 is placed. Thedistance “b” between the two MFS sensing arrays (MFS 1 and MFS 2) is afixed value and cannot be changed in a given application. The distance“b” and the magnetic field strength of the permanent magnet (TargetPoint 3) defines the maximal possible measurement range or “distance”“a”.

When flipping around the magnetic pole axis of the permanent magnet by90 degree (for example), then the possible absolute measurement range“a” will be greatly reduced. At the same time the sensitivity towardsferro-magnetic objects that are placed nearby will significantlyincrease.

The two MFS arrays are required to build a differential mode sensors inorder to compensate for the unwanted effects of uniform magnetic strayfields. If and when potential uniform magnetic stray fields can beignored, then only the MFS1 is required for accurate distancemeasurements.

One of the most important features of the here described distance sensorsystem is, that the distance measurement is not relaying on the absolutemagnetic field strength of the Target-Point (Permanent Magnet). Forexample, this means that this sensor solution can compensate for theeffects of aging of the permanent magnet, or changes of the operatingtemperatures.

To explain how this sensor system functions, the placements of theindividual sensing module components are re-named and described in moredetail in FIG. 2. It is assumed that the MFS (Magnetic Field Sensor)array is built by using inductor based sensors. However, any other typeof directional sensitive MFS device can be used as well as long as suchsensors can distinguish between positive and negative magnetic fieldsand are capable of directional magnetic field measurements. The mostimportant of the two shown MFS arrays is the one at the right, builtfrom two inductors, called L3 (horizontally placed) and L2 (verticallyplaced).

When using inductors to measure the magnetic field strength of apermanent magnet (static magnetic field source) then the inductor has tobe connected to a flux-gate-type electronic circuit. The output of theflux-gate electronic circuit is a voltage that is equivalent and directproportionate to the detected and measured magnetic field strength. Whenusing Hall-effect sensors (for example) then there is no need for aflux-gate electronic circuit as most Hall-effect sensors provide ananalogue signal output.

The Voltage value of the Hall-effect sensor output is directproportionate to the measured magnetic field strength.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, the distance between the two MFS arrays (MFS 1and MFS 2) is herein defined as “b”, while the distance between the MFSarray at the left and the Target-Point (permanent magnet) is called “a”.In FIG. 3, the angle between the movement axis “a” (which is a straightline between the target-point and the MFS array at the left) and thehorizontal axis “b” (the distance between MFS1 and MFS2) is 90°. Thisangle is identified in FIG. 3 as y.

Taking the two values VL2 and VL3, it is possible to calculate theabsolute Vector value (“c”) caused by the permanent magnet, and theabsolute angle this vector is pointing towards. Depending on the appliedalgorithm, either the angle α or the angle β can be calculated. In thefollowing the algorithm is shown to calculate the angle β. Themeasurement value of VL2 will change approximately in the same way asthe vertical Vector signal portion “a₂” is changing and the measurementvalue VL3 is changing in the same rate as the horizontal Vector signalportion “b₂”. It should be noted as illustrated in FIG. 4 that thevector values “a₂” and “b₂” belong to the signal measurements taken fromthe right MFS Sensor Array (MFS1). The Vector values “a” and “b” are thedistance measurements and distance calculations attained with the sensorsystem of this invention.

When taking the two values of the signal amplitudes that are indirectlygenerated by the MFS L3 (here called VL3) and by the MFS L2 (here calledVL2) and applying the algorithm:β=arctan(V _(L3) /V _(L2))VL3˜b ₂VL2˜a ₂β=arctan(b ₂ /a ₂)The result of this algorithm is the angle β. The distance “a” which isthe distance between the target point (a permanent magnet) and the basepoint changes with the changes in angle β and can be calculatedutilizing the algorithm provided above. The beauty of this algorithm isthat any change of the absolute magnetic signal strength of the usedpermanent magnet is almost of no consequence. The angle “α” and “β” willremain the same, even if the magnetic signal strength of the permanentis increasing or decreasing by a certain amount within certainreasonable limits.

As illustrated in FIG. 5, when knowing the angle “α” or “β”, then it iseasy to calculate the absolute distance “a” by applying the algorithm(Note: the distance “b” is a fixed value and is known):a=b cot(arctan(b ₂ /a ₂))

In order to compensate for the unwanted effects of uniform magneticstray fields (like the Earth Magnetic Field), additional magnetic fieldsensing devices are used to allow building two sets of “differentialmode” MFS arrays. The inductors L0 and L3 will form the firstdifferential mode magnetic field sensor (V L Horizontal=L3−L0), andinductors L1 and L2 will form the second differential mode magneticfield sensor (V L Vertical=L2−L1). As before, the two values VLHorizontal and VL Vertical are now used to calculate the angle “3”. Onlyin this case, this angle value is not affected by uniform magnetic strayfields.

FIG. 6 is an illustration of an example of sensor electronics. Toexecute different type of algorithms, and to keep the flexibility ofmaking changes to the algorithms, it is advisable to use a microcontroller in the sensor electronics. However, this is only optional.FIG. 6 illustrates two channel sensor electronics and how the individualmagnetic field sensing devices are connected in series with each other.When using Hall-effect sensors then the output voltages of twoHall-effect sensors have to be subtracted from each other using anappropriate analogue circuitry. Alternatively, the four voltagesgenerated by the four Hall-effect sensors used can be fed directly intothe Micro Controller where the subtraction activity will be executed.

This application claims benefit of European Patent Application SerialNo. EP 13163793.6, filed on Apr. 15, 2013. It should be understood thatthe features described in individual exemplary embodiments may also becombined with each other in order to obtain a more fail safe air springheight sensor or air spring as well as to enable error detection andcorrection of the measured height signal. While certain representativeembodiments and details have been shown for the purpose of illustratingthe subject invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in this artthat various changes and modifications can be made therein withoutdeparting from the scope of the subject invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A distance measuring device comprising: a targetmodule; an evaluating module; a first directional magnetic field sensingarray; and a second directional magnetic field sensing array, whereinthe first directional magnetic field sensing array and the seconddirectional magnetic field sensing array are separated by apredetermined horizontal distance forming a horizontal axis, wherein thesecond directional magnetic field sensing array and the firstdirectional magnetic field sensing array do not move relative to eachother and wherein the target module move along a movement trajectorythat is along a vertical axis that is perpendicular to the horizontalaxis between first directional magnetic field sensing array and thesecond directional magnetic field sensing array, wherein an anglebetween the movement trajectory and the horizontal axis is substantiallyorthogonal, wherein the first directional magnetic field sensing arrayand the second directional magnetic field sensing array sense signalsfrom the target module, the signals being transferred to the evaluatingmodule, and wherein the evaluating module is adapted to determine thedistance the target module is from the horizontal axis by determining adirectional angle of the first magnetic field sensing array with respectto the target module based on the signals from the first magnetic fieldsensing array, the second magnetic field sensing array, and thepredetermined distance.
 2. The distance measuring device of claim 1,wherein the target module is a permanent magnet.
 3. The distancemeasuring device of claim 1, wherein the distance measuring device iscoupled to an air spring, wherein the air spring comprises a firstmounting plate and a second mounting plate, wherein the firstdirectional magnetic field sensing array and the second directionalmagnetic field sensing array are mountable to the first mounting plate,and wherein the target module is mountable to the second mounting plate.4. The distance measuring device of claim 3, wherein the air springfurther comprises a flexible member, wherein the first mounting plate,the second mounting plate and the flexible member define a pressurizablechamber, and wherein the first directional magnetic field sensing array,the second directional magnetic field sensing array, and the targetmodule are positioned within the pressurizable chamber.
 5. The distancemeasuring device of claim 1, wherein the first directional magneticfield sensing array comprises a first magnetic field sensor and a secondmagnetic field sensor, and wherein a main sensing direction of the firstmagnetic field sensor is angled with respect to a main sensing directionof the second magnetic field sensor.
 6. The distance measuring device ofclaim 5, wherein the main sensing direction of the first magnetic fieldsensor is substantially orthogonal to the main sensing direction of thesecond magnetic field sensor, wherein the main sensing direction of thefirst magnetic field sensor is substantially parallel to the movementtrajectory, and wherein the main sensing direction of the secondmagnetic field sensor is substantially orthogonal to the movementtrajectory.
 7. The distance measuring device of claim 1, wherein thesecond directional magnetic field sensing array comprises a thirdmagnetic field sensor and a fourth magnetic field sensor, and wherein amain sensing direction of the third magnetic field sensor is angled withrespect to a main sensing direction of the fourth magnetic field sensor.8. The distance measuring device of claim 7, wherein the main sensingdirection of the third magnetic field sensor is substantially orthogonalto the main sensing direction of the fourth magnetic field sensor,wherein the main sensing direction of the third magnetic field sensor issubstantially parallel to the movement trajectory, wherein the mainsensing direction of the fourth magnetic field sensor is substantiallyorthogonal to the movement trajectory.
 9. An air spring comprising: apressurized chamber; a first mounting plate; a second mounting plate;and a distance measuring device contained within the pressurizedchamber, wherein the distance measuring device comprises: an evaluatingmodule, a first directional magnetic field sensing array, and a targetmodule, wherein the first magnetic field sensing array is mountable tothe first mounting plate and the target module is mountable to thesecond mounting plate so as to execute a movement with respect to eachother along a movement trajectory, wherein the first magnetic fieldsensing array is offset from the movement trajectory by a predetermineddistance between a reference point on the movement trajectory and thefirst directional magnetic field sensing array that forms a horizontalaxis, wherein an angle at the first directional magnetic field sensingarray between the horizontal axis a vector from the first directionalmagnetic field sensing array and the target module is substantiallyorthogonal, wherein the first magnetic field sensing array sensessignals from the target module, the signals being transferred to theevaluating module, and wherein the evaluating module is adapted todetermine the distance from the first plate to the second plate bydetermining the angle of the first magnetic field sensing array withrespect to the target module based on the signals from the firstmagnetic field sensing array and the predetermined distance.
 10. The airspring of claim 9, further comprising a flexible member, wherein thefirst mounting plate, the second mounting plate and the flexible memberdefine the pressurizable chamber.
 11. The air spring of claim 9, whereinthe first directional magnetic field sensing array comprises a firstmagnetic field sensor and a second magnetic field sensor, and wherein amain sensing direction of the first magnetic field sensor is angled withrespect to a main sensing direction of the second magnetic field sensor.12. The air spring of claim 11, wherein the main sensing direction ofthe first magnetic field sensor is substantially orthogonal to the mainsensing direction of the second magnetic field sensor, wherein the mainsensing direction of the first magnetic field sensor is substantiallyparallel to the movement trajectory, and wherein the main sensingdirection of the second magnetic field sensor is substantiallyorthogonal to the movement trajectory.
 13. The air spring of claim 9,wherein the distance measuring device further comprises a seconddirectional magnetic field sensing array that senses signals from thetarget module, and wherein the second directional magnetic field sensingarray is located at the reference point.
 14. The air spring of claim 9,wherein the distance measuring device further comprises a seconddirectional magnetic field sensing array that senses signals from thetarget module, wherein the signals are transferred to the evaluatingmodule, and wherein the evaluating module is further adapted to use thesignals sensed by the second directional magnetic field sensing array tocorrect for effects of stray magnetic fields.
 15. The air spring ofclaim 14, wherein the second directional magnetic field sensing arraycomprises a third magnetic field sensor and a fourth magnetic fieldsensor, wherein a main sensing direction of the third magnetic fieldsensor is angled with respect to a main sensing direction of the fourthmagnetic field sensor, wherein the main sensing direction of the thirdmagnetic field sensor is substantially orthogonal to the main sensingdirection of the fourth magnetic field sensor, wherein the main sensingdirection of the third magnetic field sensor is substantially parallelto the movement trajectory, and wherein the main sensing direction ofthe fourth magnetic field sensor is substantially orthogonal to themovement trajectory.
 16. An air spring comprising: a first mountingplate; a second mounting plate; and a distance measuring device, whereinthe distance measuring device comprises: an evaluating module, a firstmagnetic field sensing array, and a target module, wherein the firstmagnetic field sensing array is mountable to the first mounting plateand the target module is mountable to the second mounting plate so as toexecute a movement with respect to each other along a movementtrajectory, wherein the first magnetic field sensing array is offsetfrom the movement trajectory by a predetermined distance from areference point on the movement point wherein the predetermined distanceforms a horizontal axis between the reference point and the firstmagnetic field sensing array, and wherein the movement trajectory isalong a vertical axis that is substantially perpendicular to thehorizontal axis, wherein the first magnetic field sensing array sensesignals from the target module which are transferred from the firstmagnetic field sensing array to the evaluating module, and wherein theevaluating module is adapted to determine the distance from the firstplate to the second plate based on the signals, an orientation of a mainsensing direction of the first magnetic field sensor, and an orientationof a main sensing direction of the second magnetic field sensor.
 17. Theair spring of claim 16, further comprising a flexible member, whereinthe first mounting plate, the second mounting plate and the flexiblemember define a pressurizable chamber, and wherein the first magneticfield sensing array and the target module are positioned within thepressurizable chamber.
 18. The air spring of claim 16, wherein the mainsensing direction of the first magnetic field sensor is angled withrespect to the main sensing direction of the second magnetic fieldsensor, wherein the main sensing direction of the first magnetic fieldsensor is substantially orthogonal to the main sensing direction of thesecond magnetic field sensor, wherein the main sensing direction of thefirst magnetic field sensor is substantially parallel to the movementtrajectory, and wherein the main sensing direction of the secondmagnetic field sensor is substantially orthogonal to the movementtrajectory.
 19. The air spring of claim 16, wherein the distancemeasuring device further comprises a second magnetic field sensing arraythat senses signals from the target module, wherein the second magneticfield sensing array is located at the reference point, wherein thesignals sensed by the second magnetic field sensing array aretransferred to the evaluating module, and wherein the evaluating moduleis further adapted to use the signals sensed by the second magneticfield sensing array to correct for effects of stray magnetic fields. 20.The air spring of claim 19, wherein the second magnetic field sensingarray is mountable to the first mounting plate, wherein the air springfurther comprises a flexible member, wherein the first mounting plate,the second mounting plate and the flexible member define a pressurizablechamber, and wherein the first magnetic field sensing array, the secondmagnetic field sensing array, and the target module are positionedwithin the pressurizable chamber.